The Aztecs

Origins of the Aztec or Mexica people are unknown but it is said that they probably settled in Northern Mexico in Mesoamerica the beginning of the 13th century. They began their tribe as “hunter-gatherers” and spoke the Aztec language of Nahuatl. The Mexica people were looking for a home. Their god Huitzilopochtli would show them a sign on where to settle down. The sign of their god was to see an eagle perched on a prickly pear cactus with a serpent on its mouth. They found their sign near the southwest boarder of Lake Texcoco. By 1325 A.D. they had drained a swampy island and constructed an artificial island where they could plant gardens and have crops. The people their supported themselves by fishing and hunting local animals. The Mexica people had built their successful proud city in Tenochtitlan and then built an alliance with two other cities. It wasn’t too long before they built a civilization and constructed an empire. The Aztec Empire was organized and strong but was ruled with fear. Their military grew as well and began to conquer their surrounding areas. It is said that the Aztec Empire would have continued to grow if it weren’t for the Europeans who arrived in 1519. Hernan Cortez arrived to the town of Tabasco and was greeted by the Mexica people and learned the great Aztec civilization. It is said that he was greeted in a well manner due to the emperor Montezuma who believed that Cortez was the bearded Aztec God who would bring universal peace. Unfortunately, Cortez formed an alliance with the Tlaxcala, enemies of the Aztecs and attacked them. Montezuma was captured and then killed bringing Cuitahuac to power. He leaves the empire and at his return, he dies from the first epidemic of small pox. Cuauhtémoc is the last emperor of the Aztec Empire. The Fall of Tenochtitlan is near and Cuauhtémoc surrenders to Cortez leaving him to destroy the city. By 1522 the Spaniards begin rebuilding the city to what is now known as Mexico City.